“You’re so understanding.”
“Men are babies.” Gia shrugged. “They’ll get over it.”
“I should talk to Bran.” The idea of approaching him hung in the air like a foul stench. But they worked together, and closely. She didn’t want there to be awkward vibes during meetings or conference calls. She didn’t want him to avoid her out of discomfort or pride.
“You will. And you’ll say something brilliant and then everything will be okay. He didn’t act like a man in love, Taylor. I don’t know why he thought an engagement was the right move, but he wasn’t acting from the heart. It was pragmatism and planning if you ask me.”
“I should’ve said what was on my mind that night. That we weren’t working romantically. It would have been a relief for both of us.”
“You should have,” Gia agreed with a curt nod. “But you didn’t. And now you have to make decisions starting from the square you’re standing in.”
A “square” was filled with Royce and her truckload of attraction to him. When she thought about him, apart from everything else, she had to admit it was exciting. Maybe she finally had a chance at a relationship that was visceral and real.
God, how she needed something real.
Even if she never kissed Royce again, she’d had a realization of sorts. She was still sexually attractive. After two years of no dating and her and Brannon’s lackluster romance, Taylor had started wondering if she’d ever find someone who curled her toes.
She hadn’t imagined that someone would be Royce. Years ago, she’d taken her father’s warning at face value. He’d been protective over his baby girl when he’d told her to stay away from Royce. But she was a far cry from a baby now.
“See you in the quarterly meeting.”
“Thanks, G.”
“You’re welcome, doll.” Gia wiggled her fingers in a wave and left the office.